WEPS-(21) Nuclear Weapons and Effects

Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Weapons and their effectstheir effects

Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Weapons and their effectstheir effects

Naval Weapons Systems

Why do we care?Why do we care?Why do we care?Why do we care?

Effect of 1 Megaton surface blast on Madison, WI

Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Weapons ClassificationClassification

Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Weapons ClassificationClassification

TacticalTactical– Yield < 100 kT (15 kT min)Yield < 100 kT (15 kT min)– Eliminate personnelEliminate personnel

StrategicStrategic– Yield > 100 kTYield > 100 kT– Used on vast area targetsUsed on vast area targets

Weapons of TerrorWeapons of Terror– Any yield will doAny yield will do– UnpredictableUnpredictable– Dirty BombsDirty Bombs Perspective…

Hiroshima = 13 kT Nagasaki = 22 kT

Nuclear ExplosivesNuclear ExplosivesNuclear ExplosivesNuclear Explosives

• Energy released is much greater than with chemical explosives (per weight of explosive).

• Fission• Atoms of heavy unstable isotopes are split by

high speed neutrons.• Split nucleus releases energy and more

neutrons.• These neutrons go on to split more nuclei.• Reaction also produces heat and radiation.

• Fusion• The combining of Hydrogen nuclei to form

Helium, matter is destroyed in the process

Nuclear WarheadsNuclear WarheadsNuclear WarheadsNuclear Warheads

– FissionFission– FusionFusion

– FissionFission– FusionFusion

•Changing configuration of atomic nucleus:Changing configuration of nucleus changing binding energy.

•Binding energy – energy required to hold nucleons (protons & neutrons) together to form a nucleus.•Changing of the nucleus configuration increases the amount of binding energy.•Changing the configuration of the nucleus may be accomplished through two types of nuclear two types of nuclear reactions:reactions:

Difference Between Difference Between Fission and FusionFission and Fusion

Difference Between Difference Between Fission and FusionFission and Fusion

Fission– Splitting of very heavy nucleus into 2 or more lighter

nuclei.» Best when atomic # very high.

– Releases energy when a heavy nucleus splits.– Occurs spontaneously but very rarely. (Uranium,

Plutonium)– Controlled fission occurs through injection of additional

neutrons with very high kinetic energy.– Binding energy increases with increasing # nucleons.– 1 lb of Uranium 16,000,000 lbs of TNT

Fusion– Combination of 2 or more light nuclei to make 1 heavier

nucleus.– Releases energy when light nuclei are combined.– 1 lb of Deuterium 52,000,000 lbs of TNT

Fission - BasicsFission - BasicsFission - BasicsFission - Basics

Nuclear detonation started by creating chain reaction.Nuclear detonation started by creating chain reaction.– To sustain reaction, must be enough fissionable material in the To sustain reaction, must be enough fissionable material in the

right physical configuration so that released neutrons will cause right physical configuration so that released neutrons will cause other reactions before being lost to absorption or leakage.other reactions before being lost to absorption or leakage.

» Critical mass Critical mass - minimum density of material to sustain reaction- minimum density of material to sustain reaction» Sub-critical massSub-critical mass – not dense enough radioactive material to – not dense enough radioactive material to

sustain reaction.sustain reaction.» Super critical massSuper critical mass – dense enough to cause ever-increasing – dense enough to cause ever-increasing

reaction.reaction.

Induces ever-increasing number of reactions until either Induces ever-increasing number of reactions until either entire mass consumed or something stops it.entire mass consumed or something stops it.

» Fission ReactorFission Reactor– Controlled MannerControlled Manner– Control rods absorb neutronsControl rods absorb neutrons

» Fission WarheadFission Warhead– Uncontrolled MannerUncontrolled Manner

Fission Chain ReactionFission Chain ReactionFission Chain ReactionFission Chain Reaction

Gun-Type Warhead Gun-Type Warhead DesignDesign

Gun-Type Warhead Gun-Type Warhead DesignDesign

“Little Boy” Hiroshima

Gun-Type Warhead-Uncomplicated-Critical mass of 235U separated.-Prevents inadvertent detonation.

-Two sub-critical masses brought together quickly while injecting neutrons.

-Efficiency very low due to bomb blowing itself apart. (<5%)-No longer has critical mass.-Chain reaction stops.-Low efficiency not cost efficient – production $

Improvements of Fission Warhead Design

(Implosion Weapon)

Improvements of Fission Warhead Design

(Implosion Weapon)

Tamper (Br sphere)– Less neutron leakage.

» Neutrons leaving body of explosive without reacting with fission material.

– Confines fission material allowing it to fission longer.

– Increases efficiency (but not by much!)

“Fat Man” - Nagasaki

Imploding fissionable material-Prevents ‘fizzle’ – a premature end to reaction.-2 halves placed inside of hollow shell of high explosive.

Implodes inward, compressing material, sustaining chain reaction.

Fusion BombFusion BombFusion BombFusion Bomb

Fusion WarheadFusion WarheadFusion WarheadFusion Warhead

• Entire fusion fuel consumed.• Extreme reliability and rapidity.

• Calls for:• Extremely high temperature• and pressure (like fusion on the sun)• Fission detonation is only possible option. (fission trigger)

• Gamma radiation exerts radiation pressure on fusion material.

• Crushes the fusion material into reacting (7 x 108 psi).• As pressure increases, heat increases (1010 oK).• Thermal motion of fusion material is sufficiently energetic.• Known as thermonuclear fusion.

• Fusion itself is “clean” – no radioactive by-products. Fusion warhead is not!

ClassificationsClassificationsClassificationsClassifications

Initial/Prompt RadiationInitial/Prompt Radiation– Received in first minute, damage primarily from neutrons Received in first minute, damage primarily from neutrons

and gamma radiation.and gamma radiation.

•Blast•Heat•Light•EMP

–TREE–Blackout

•Residual Radiation•Alpha•Beta•Gamma•Neutron

•Fallout

Residual Radiation Residual Radiation ProductsProducts

Residual Radiation Residual Radiation ProductsProducts

• Alpha (large & heavy)

• Beta (small & light)

• Neutron (small & heavy)

• Gamma (EM radiation)

• Helium nucleus from Helium nucleus from fusion …skinfusion …skin

• Electron or positron…Electron or positron…clothingclothing

• Excess neutrons not Excess neutrons not used in nuclear used in nuclear reactions…waterreactions…water

• Produced by excess Produced by excess neutrons absorbed by neutrons absorbed by air & nuclear reaction air & nuclear reaction byproducts…leadbyproducts…lead

• Alpha (large & heavy)

• Beta (small & light)

• Neutron (small & heavy)

• Gamma (EM radiation)

• Helium nucleus from fusion …skin

• Electron or positron…clothing

• Excess neutrons not used in nuclear reactions…water

• Produced by excess neutrons absorbed by air & nuclear reaction byproducts…lead

Review of Weapons Review of Weapons effectseffects

Review of Weapons Review of Weapons effectseffects

Peak overpressure

Mach Stem

+

-

Mach Wave

Triple PointIncident Wave

Reflected Wave

Mach Wave

Ground / Surface

Underwater Blast EffectsUnderwater Blast EffectsUnderwater Blast EffectsUnderwater Blast Effects

– Cavity (Bubble) of High pressure gas/heat/water vapor

– Hydrostatic Pressure Fluctuations» Expansion and Compression

– Energy Losses» 90% of the bubble’s energy dissipates on 1st expansion» Acoustic and heat radiation

– Multiple Shock Waves» Due to pulsating bubble as it rises» Proximity of boundaries. (Bottom and Surface)

Affect of an Underwater Blast

Explosion

Seismic ShockBottomReflection

Energy From a Nuclear Air Energy From a Nuclear Air BurstBurst

Energy From a Nuclear Air Energy From a Nuclear Air BurstBurst

Blast & Shock 50%

Thermal Radiation(Heat) 35%

5%

10%Residual NuclearRadiation

Initial Nuclear Radiation

Special Purpose Special Purpose WeaponsWeapons

Special Purpose Special Purpose WeaponsWeapons

• NuclearNuclear• Thermonuclear – FissionThermonuclear – Fission• Hydrogen - FusionHydrogen - Fusion• Radiation Weapons - Neutron BombRadiation Weapons - Neutron Bomb• EMP (greatest in high altitude bursts)EMP (greatest in high altitude bursts)

• Hiroshima – Yield 13kT of TNTHiroshima – Yield 13kT of TNT• Current Max Yield – 25MT of TNT Current Max Yield – 25MT of TNT (200 times!!)(200 times!!)• Effective lethal range of 100kT NukeEffective lethal range of 100kT Nuke

• Blast (40 psi overpressure) Blast (40 psi overpressure) .5 miles.5 miles• Blast Wind (600mph)Blast Wind (600mph) .7 miles.7 miles• Radiation (lethal does of 500 Rem) Radiation (lethal does of 500 Rem) 1.4 miles1.4 miles• Thermal pulseThermal pulse 2.4 miles2.4 miles

Weapons TestsWeapons TestsWeapons TestsWeapons Tests

• Operation Hardtack 1, a series of 35 tests to Operation Hardtack 1, a series of 35 tests to test the effects of Nuclear weapons, this test the effects of Nuclear weapons, this included High altitude tests, surface, deep included High altitude tests, surface, deep underwater tests and shallow water tests. They underwater tests and shallow water tests. They also served to test the designs of nuclear also served to test the designs of nuclear weaponsweapons

• Operation Fishbowl High altitude weapons test, Operation Fishbowl High altitude weapons test, early development of Nuclear tipped interceptor early development of Nuclear tipped interceptor missiles needed to test their ability to operate missiles needed to test their ability to operate in the High EMP environment of a High altitude in the High EMP environment of a High altitude burst (also test effect on improved C2 systems). burst (also test effect on improved C2 systems).

Nuclear tests, Nuclear tests, ContinuedContinued

Nuclear tests, Nuclear tests, ContinuedContinued

An 8 kiloton underwater nuclear test.An 8 kiloton underwater nuclear test.

Sailor Hat, 20 kt test at sea and a Sailor Hat, 20 kt test at sea and a conventional simulation of a nuclear conventional simulation of a nuclear explosion to further test the effects explosion to further test the effects on ships. Several shots of damage on ships. Several shots of damage being cause inside the shipbeing cause inside the ship

Sample Scenario, New Sample Scenario, New YorkYork

Sample Scenario, New Sample Scenario, New YorkYork

A 150 kiloton bomb constructed by terrorists is detonated in the heart of Manhattan, at the foot of the Empire State Building. The bomb goes off without warning at noon time. It's a clear spring day with a breeze to the east.

Assumptions•There is no warning. The population has not been evacuated nor sought shelter. Both measures could reduce casualties. •There is clear weather, with visibility of 10 miles (16 km). •This is an isolated attack, leaving the rest of the country free to respond. •A large percentage of the day time population is outside - 25%. •The daytime population density is roughly uniform and about 125,000 per square mile. •The shock wave will spread out uniformly in all directions, being minimally affected by structures.

1 Sec after detonation1 Sec after detonation1 Sec after detonation1 Sec after detonation

Blast WaveAt the end of the first second, the shock wave will have an overpressure of 20 psi. at a distance of four tenths of a mile from ground zero. Even the most heavily reinforced steel and concrete buildings will be destroyed. CasualtiesThis circle contains a daytimepopulation of roughly 75,000. There willbe no survivors. Those caught outside will be exposed to the full effects of the blast, including severe lung and ear drum damage and exposure to flying debris. Those in the direct line of sight of the blast will be exposed to a thermal pulse in excess of 500 cal/sq.cm., causing instant death. Those inside, though shielded from some of the blast and thermal effects, will be killed as buildings collapse.


Blast WaveAn overpressure of at least 10 psi. extends out for 1 mile. Concrete and steel reinforced commercial buildings will be destroyed or severely damaged out to the edge of this ring. The few buildings that remain standing on the outside edge of this ring will have their interiors destroyed. Though the thermal pulse is intense enough to ignite most materials, the shock wave will likely extinguish most fires in this ring. CasualtiesMost people inside buildings will be killed by flying debris or die as the buildings collapse. Almost all those outside and not in the direct line of sight of the blast will receive lung and ear drum injuries to varying degrees. Those in the direct line of sight will be killed instantly by the thermal pulse. Fatalities are estimated at 300,000 with many of the remaining 100,000 receiving some form of non-fatal injury.


Blast WaveIn the next two seconds the shock wave moves out another half mile, extending the destruction out to a 1.5 mile radius. The overpressure has dropped to 5 psi. at the outer edge of this ring, an area of 4 square miles. Reinforced structures are heavily damaged and unreinforced residential type structures of brick and wood are destroyed.

CasualtiesThis ring contains 500,000 people during the day. About 190,000 will be killed inside buildings by flying debris. This is roughly half of the assumed indoor population. The other 190,000 will suffer varying degrees of injuries. Most of those outside and not in the direct line of sight of the explosion will escape direct injury from the blast, but may be injured by flying objects. The thermal pulse is still sufficiently intense (40 cal/sq.cm.) to kill anyone in the direct line of sight; approximately 30,000. Those people fortunate enough to be under ground will escape with no injuries. The total number of injured will be approximately 220,000, leaving roughly 60,000 uninjured.


Blast WaveThis band extends out to a 2.5 mile radius and has an overpressure at the outside edge of 2 psi. Reinforced structures will receive varying amounts of damage, with those buildings at the edge being almost completely undamaged. Wood and brick buildings will receive moderate amounts of initial damage, with the damage becoming less at the outside edge of the ring.

CasualtiesAn estimated 235,000 people (15%) will be fatalities in this ring, with another 525,000 injured to varying degrees. No injuries will be due directly to the blast overpressure, however the thermal pulse will still be sufficient to kill or incapacitate those not indoors or otherwise protected. The degree of injury from the thermal pulse will depend greatly on clothing and skin color. Darker clothing and skin will absorb more of the energy, giving a more severe burn. The material type and thickness will also determine the severity of burns from the thermal pulse.


Blast WaveThis band extends out for almost 4 miles and has an overpressure of 1 psi. at its outside edge. At the inner edge there will be light to moderate amounts of damage to unreinforced buildings of brick and wood. Reinforced structures and commercial buildings will receive light damage at most.

CasualtiesThough this ring covers an additional 30 square miles, much of this area is over water or less densely populated areas. The affected population in this ring is estimated to be 500,000. There will be almost no fatalities in this ring and only a small percentage, roughly 30,000, will receive injuries from the thermal pulse. Flashblindness and permanent retinal injuries from the blast will extend out beyond 20 miles.

Estimated CasualtiesEstimated CasualtiesEstimated CasualtiesEstimated Casualties

Distance fromGZ (mi.) Population Fatalities Injuries Uninjured0 - 0.4 75,000 75,000 0 00.4 - 1.0 400,000 300,000 100,000 01.0 - 1.5 500,000 220,000 220,000 60,0001.5 - 2.5 1,500,000 235,000 525,000 740,0002.5 - 4.0 500,000 0 30,000 470,000Totals 2,975,000 830,000 875,000 1,270,000

Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Weapons SafetySafety

Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Weapons SafetySafety

Prevention of Unauthorized DetonationIssues are two-fold:

Protect security of existing weapon.Restricted access.Armed guards.Protective storage facilities.Fences, motion detectors, etc.Two person integrity.

Prevent terrorists from building their own.Production of fission material through enrichment of

Uranium.Breeder reactor grade Plutonium.Design of high explosives to create powerful

implosions.Develop of neutron source technology.Procurement of highly specialized technical knowledge

required to produce high yield nuclear weapons.

WEPS-(21) Nuclear Weapons and Effects

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